As the days get shorter and the urge to hibernate kicks in, there's one thing we can all agree on: we love a good book. At Vignette, fall means trading in beach reads for stories that pair well with oversized sweaters and too many cups of coffee. From thrillers to kid-friendly picture books (because yes, we’re all about raising little readers too), our team has rounded up a mix of page-turners to get you through the season. Consider this your excuse to ignore that pile of laundry and dive into a book instead—you’re welcome.
The best part about this list is that we, as a team, often seem to share a hive mind—rolling into the office color-coordinated like we’re prepping for a family photo shoot. But don’t let our matching color palettes fool you; each of us brings our own unique flair to the table. This list truly has something for everyone!
Michele's Pick:
Kicking things off with a pick from owner and designer Michele, we have, A Prayer for Owen Meanie. Michele is the type who hosts perfectly curated dinner parties and keeps in touch with childhood best friends. If that sounds like your vibe, this book is definitely for you.
A prayer for Owen Meany is a novel that stays with you long after you've read the last page. It’s the story of Owen Meany, a small but unforgettable boy with a voice so high-pitched it could certainly break glass, and a belief in his own extraordinary destiny. Set against the backdrop of a small New England town, Owen’s journey is filled with moments of humor, tragedy, and the kind of fate that makes you question everything. Through friendship, faith, and a series of bizarre events, the novel explores big ideas about life, death, and what it means to truly have a purpose. Expect to laugh, cry, and spend a lot of time thinking about Owen Meany long after you've finished the book.
Jenn’s picks:
When I asked Jenn (Owner and designer) for fall book recommendations, she dove headfirst into a rabbit hole and emerged with a handful of titles. I managed to narrow it down to two. Jenn, with her boundless enthusiasm for all things romantic and whimsical and her undying affection for the Brontë sisters, is practically a fall book connoisseur. And don’t even get me started on her sweater collection—it’s as cozy as her reading tastes!
I Capture the Castle is a delightful coming-of-age story told through the witty journal entries of Cassandra Mortmain, a 17-year-old living in a crumbling English castle with her eccentric family. Her father is a once-famous author suffering from a decade-long writer's block, her stepmother spends most of her time wandering the grounds in nothing but green paint, and her sister is determined to marry rich. Enter two handsome American brothers who shake things up, and Cassandra finds herself caught in a whirlwind of unrequited love, family drama, and self-discovery. It’s charming, hilarious, and just the right amount of quirky—a perfect escape into a world where romance and reality clash in the most entertaining ways.
Rebecca is a gothic thriller that begins when an awkward young woman marries the brooding, wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves into his grand, creepy estate, Manderley. It’s all very dreamy—until she realizes the entire house is still obsessed with Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, who seems to have been perfect in every possible way. The new Mrs. de Winter quickly finds herself haunted (literally and figuratively) by Rebecca’s ghostly presence, thanks to the creepy housekeeper Mrs. Danvers, who acts like she’d rather set the mansion on fire than accept a new lady of the house. Filled with suspense, secrets, and a jaw-dropping twist, Rebecca will have you questioning who’s the real villain in this eerie love triangle. Just be glad you don’t have to live at Manderley.
Siobhan’s picks:
I’m a pathological reader, so narrowing down my list was no small feat. My tastes veer toward classics and the delightfully obscure—an eclectic mix, to say the least. My first pick is set in my hometown of Chicago and in Kansas, where I spent two memorable years in my 20s. My second choice is a Steinbeck novel, because his prose is both stunning and haunting. There’s something about the coziness of Steinbeck’s writing that just screams autumn to me.
Wellness by Nathan Hill is a witty, thought-provoking dive into the ups and downs of modern relationships. The novel follows Jack and Elizabeth, a couple who fell in love during the carefree, idealistic 90s but are now knee-deep in the chaos of marriage, raising a kid, and trying to stay connected while being pulled in every direction. As they navigate wellness fads, tech addiction, and the constant pressure to be perfect, you’ll find yourself laughing and nodding along (because who hasn’t been there?). It’s a clever look at how love evolves, how life gets messy, and how we all try to find balance—even if that means hiding from your kids in the bathroom for five minutes of peace.
East of Eden is an epic like no other—Steinbeck doesn't just tug at your heartstrings; he yanks them like he's ringing the dinner bell from a rustic farmstead in Salinas. The book is a sprawling, multi-generational soap opera of good, evil, and everything in between. Steinbeck somehow makes sibling rivalry feel like the most profound struggle known to man. You find yourself laughing at how he makes the smallest moments—a conversation, a glance, a bad decision—feel like the weight of the world. And that's the thing: Steinbeck's so relatable. He makes us see ourselves in these flawed, complicated characters who can't quite decide if they're more like Cain or Abel. Honestly, who else can make the human condition seem so epic, but also like it’s just a Tuesday? That's why I love him and this book.
Jen M's picks
Daisy Jones & the Six
Jen is our resident rocker chick and fearless accounts manager, so it’s no surprise that she chose Daisy Jones and the Six for her book recommendation. She even lent me her copy during our team trip to London, and it’s been a cherished part of my bookshelf ever since. An added bonus is that the TV adaptation is just as compelling, with wardrobe designs that are nothing short of perfection. Jen’s vibrant personality and love for all things rock and roll make her recommendation spot-on.
If Fleetwood Mac and VH1's Behind the Music had a lovechild, Daisy Jones & The Six would be it. Reid takes you backstage, into the messy, glamorous, and wild ride of a fictional 70s rock band. Told in a documentary style, it feels like you're reading the juiciest band interview ever. Daisy is a force—wild, talented, and impossible not to root for—while the band’s chemistry crackles like the perfect guitar riff. It’s sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, but also heart, growth, and the cost of fame. You’ll feel like you’ve lived this story, and you won’t want to leave the tour bus.
Madigan's Pick:
Madigan, our Marketing Manager, has a knack for knowing what’s hot before anyone else. When she recommends something, you just know it’s going to be on point. So when she chose The Secret History as her fall pick, we didn’t question it for a second. If Madigan’s in, we’re all in. This book’s got that dark, edgy vibe that pairs perfectly with crisp autumn days and late-night hangouts. Trust her—she’s got a sixth sense for what’s worth your time.
The Secret History is a dark thriller that pulls you into the elite world of a group of misfit college students obsessed with Greek philosophy—and each other. Led by an eccentric professor, they push their limits and cross moral lines in ways that go from intriguing to downright dangerous. The story is all about privilege, power, and how far people will go to feel like they belong. Think of it as Gossip Girl meets True Detective, with a touch of that 90s nostalgia. It’s twisted, suspenseful, and perfect for anyone who loves a little drama with their dark academia vibes.
For the Little Readers:
Prior to joining the team at Vignette I was a PreK teacher and these are the fall books my students could not get enough of:
At the top of my list is Boo Who? Because this was a fan favorite in my classroom. I must’ve read this book over 50 times. My kiddos never got tired of it. Not only only is it adorable but it’s simple message encourages kids to show kindness and accept differences in those around them.
What Was I Scared of? by Dr. Seuss is the perfect Halloween read. It is a lightly spooky tale about a character who encounters a silly pair of empty, pale green pants that seem to move on their own. At first, the narrator is terrified of the pants, running away every time they appear. However, after several encounters, the narrator realizes the pants are just as afraid of him. The two characters end up comforting each other, learning that there's nothing to fear when faced with the unknown. The story conveys a gentle message about overcoming irrational fears and embracing empathy.
I love a book that encourages kids to use their imaginations and this book by Lisa Ferland achieves just that. It is a beautifully illustrated children's book about two young friends exploring a vibrant forest filled with creatures and surprises. The rhythmic text and vivid artwork encourage readers to act out scenes as they discover the wonders of nature alongside the characters.
There you have it—your ultimate fall reading list for both kids and adults! So, grab your blanket, light that pumpkin-scented candle, and let the pages turn as the leaves fall. Happy reading, bookworms!